Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cheers and Ciao to the best semester of my life. Past Review

By (Saint Mary's College of California) - abroad from 08/28/2018 to 12/14/2017 with

SAI Study Abroad: Florence - Florence University of the Arts (FUA)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a whole new sense of myself. I learned what I am capable of, what I truly enjoy and what makes me the happiest.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

FUA offered me the courses that I needed and allowed me to set a reasonable schedule while living abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

SAI did a fantastic job of making us feel welcome. I always knew I could go to them if I had any questions or concerns.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the location of my apartment and who they paired me with.

* Food:

I prepared food for myself or went out and had a positive experience each time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Florence, the talk from the police officer during orientation made me aware of what the issues could be if I was not paying attention to my surroundings.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved SAI. They made sure I felt at home from the second I landed in August to the second I took off in December.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a plan and stick to it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The helpful on site staff
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there is always someone there to answer your questions and help you. You will not be alone.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.